Haley to endorse opponents of Senate veterans Leatherman and Rankin

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is heading to Florence and Myrtle Beach this week to endorse Republican primary challengers to two longtime state senators.

The Republican governor will be at Wholly Smokin’ barbecue Wednesday to support Florence County GOP Chairman Richard Skipper in his race against Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman.

Leatherman was first elected in 1981, and Haley has said he is not financially conservative enough. Florence County Treasurer Dean Fowler also is running.

On Friday, Haley will be in Myrtle Beach endorsing businessman Scott Pyle at Longbeards Bar N Grill. Pyle is running against Sen. Luke Rankin, who is seeking a seventh term.

Haley and Rankin have clashed over ethics reform. The governor has accused the senator of blocking ethics legislation she supported.

A political action committee run by a Haley strategist is buying TV ads against Leatherman and Rankin.

The Associated Press

This story was originally published May 30, 2016 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Haley to endorse opponents of Senate veterans Leatherman and Rankin."